Capturing the Cosmos: A Milky Way Photograph from Seven Months in Space
Throughout my nearly seven months aboard the International Space Station during Expedition 72, I dedicated a significant portion of my time to astrophotography—aiming to capture the breathtaking beauty of our universe from an extraordinary vantage point. One of the most memorable images I was able to capture features the majestic Milky Way galaxy, complemented by the Earth’s atmospheric phenomena and distant terrestrial lights.
This particular photograph showcases the Milky Way as a luminous band across the dark sky, with stars rendered as pinpoint sources of light. In the upper atmosphere, a faint red glow from the ionized F-region adds an atmospheric dimension to the scene, hinting at the complex interactions occurring above us. Below, the early glow of the rising sun begins to illuminate the horizon, while human settlements twinkle as yellow streaks, starkly contrasting with the cosmic backdrop.
The image was captured using a Nikon Z9 camera paired with a Sigma 14mm f/1.4 lens. To optimize low-light performance and image clarity, I employed a 15-second exposure at f/1.4 and ISO 3200. Post-processing involved adjusting levels, contrast, gamma, and color balance in Photoshop to bring out the vivid details of the scene. Additionally, I utilized a homemade orbital sidereal drive—a device designed to counteract the ISS’s orbital pitch rate of approximately 4 degrees per second—to stabilize the camera and ensure sharp, precise star points.
Photographing from space offers a unique perspective on our universe, revealing intricate details and cosmic phenomena not visible from the ground. I am excited to continue sharing these views of the cosmos with fellow astronomy enthusiasts.
For more of my space photography, please visit my Instagram and Twitter accounts under the handle astro_pettit. Here, I regularly post updates and stunning images captured from my time in orbit.
Explore the universe—one image at a time.